Mistaken vote makes possible N.C. override of fracking ban

North Carolina Republicans successfully overrode Gov. Bev Perdue’s veto of a fracking bill during a dramatic vote taken just after 11 p.m. Monday. But as The Charlotte Observer reports, the vote to override was just as controversial as the legislation that would have banned the drilling technique in that state. Rep. Becky Carney, a Democrat who opposes fracking, pushed the wrong button and accidentally voted with Republicans to override the veto. A maneuver by Republican Paul “Skip” Stam prevented her from changing her vote, giving the GOP a historic one-vote margin of victory. “It was a huge mistake,” Carney says. “I take full responsibility.” Democrats denounced Stam’s quick parliamentary maneuver as a dirty trick that resulted in the passage of a landmark energy overhaul that could create a natural gas production industry in the state. “I am shocked and profoundly disappointed,” says Rep. Pricey Harrison, a Democrat. “First the speaker cut off debate, which is unfortunate with such an important piece of legislation with serious implications for North Carolina. Then to pass the override by accident and to clinch it with a procedural move is grossly unfair.” Democrats walked over to Carney’s desk to console the veteran legislator, who wept after she realized her mistake. Carney says it was the first time in her 10-year legislative career that she pushed the wrong button on a vote. Mistaken votes are not uncommon, and letting lawmakers change their votes is routine practice in the state Legislature. Read the full story here.